Super Bowl MVP Flacco inks record deal with Ravens

Reuters

Wed, Mar 06, 2013 - Page 20

Quarterback Joe Flacco signed a six-year contract to remain with the Baltimore Ravens, the team said on Monday, in a deal that reportedly makes the Super Bowl MVP the highest paid player in National Football League (NFL) history.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but various media reports said it was worth US$120.6 million, moving him past New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and his six-year US$120 million deal as the league’s top earner.

The laid back Flacco downplayed the importance of the record contract that kept him from shopping his talents around.

“It was pretty uneventful, to tell you the truth,” Flacco, 28, told reporters at a press conference. “It’s not really a big deal. Our goal is to win the Super Bowl. That’s always been one of my goals. It’s never necessarily been a goal of mine to get paid like this, it’s just what comes with the job.”

The strong-armed Flacco, the only NFL quarterback to win at least one playoff game in each of his first five seasons, threw for 11 touchdowns and no interceptions in Baltimore’s post-season run to the Super Bowl title.

In the championship game, Flacco completed 22-of-33 passes for 287 yards and three touchdowns against the strong defense of the San Francisco 49ers in a 34-31 victory.

Before the season, Flacco was derided in some circles for declaring himself one of the league’s elite quarterbacks, but given a freer hand last season and take advantage of his strong arm, Flacco flourished and the Ravens soared.

Although Flacco said the top salary was not his goal, he did not hide his pride at proving his worth on the field.

“It means a lot. It was never necessarily about the money, but it’s definitely about earning that respect,” Flacco said.

His 63 total wins (including playoffs) is the most among NFL quarterbacks since he entered the league in 2008.

“Joe is a tremendous competitor and highly motivated to be the best. He’s a leader for us and a great teammate,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said. “He understands that we have more to accomplish and we intend to do that. Having Joe with us certainly gives a better opportunity to succeed.”